Moms look for healthier Halloween treats

For the 93% of kids who will trick-or-treat this year, Halloween candy bags will be filled with more variety than ever before, including more health-minded product options available alongside the classic treats, according to a recent industry wide survey by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and national Datamonitor reports.While traditional candy can be part of a healthy, active lifestyle, health and wellness trends continue to shape the U.S. food market. Since 2005, the confectionery industry has responded to market demands by introducing hundreds of portion-controlled, calorie-controlled, reduced-fat, sugar-free and fortified products. This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can expect to see dozens of these “better for you” treats filling their pumpkins and pillowcases.A recent survey of leading candy manufacturers revealed the following health-minded Halloween treats for 2008: Hershey(R)’s Snacksters(R) S’mores 100-calorie Snack Mix, 100-calorie pack Swedish Fish(R) and 100-calorie pack Sour Patch Kids(R) (Cadbury Adams USA LLC), Sugar-free Pumpkin PEEPS(R) (Just Born, Inc.), AirHeads(R) Mini bars (Perfetti van Melle USA, Inc.), 100-calorie Skinny Hunk bar (Annabelle Candy Co., Inc.), Mars’ Kudos(R) Chocolate Chip Granola Bars with 25 percent DV of calcium and individually wrapped Sunkist(R) Fruit Gems(R) from Jelly Belly, each providing 10 percent DV of Vitamin C. In addition, snack-sizes of classic candy bars like the Mars’ MilkyWay(R) Bar, Hershey(R)’s Milk Chocolate Bar and Nestle(R) Crunch(R) Bar are available.“The snack-size candy bar has been a Halloween favorite of moms and trick-or-treaters for years,” said National Confectioners Association vice president of communications Susan Fussell. “Today, manufacturers are offering these favorites and new portion-controlled products so consumers can easily enjoy treats in moderation anytime of year.”